Grand Gift Ideas for a Holiday Shopping Head Start

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday looming, many are already strategizing how to take advantage of the throngs of deals and steals to be had. And online shoppers are poised to make an indelible mark given their collective spending power—a retail category that’s demonstrated exponential growth year after year. According to Statista, around $72.3 billion was spent online in 2017 alone, a staunch increase from the $29 billion spent in 2009. But as online shopping burgeons, it also overwhelms amid a glut of consumer goods all vying for your eyeballs, hearts, minds and wallets. So, to help streamline your shopping and reduce your stress in kind, I’ve curated this range of holiday gift ideas across various product categories ensuring there’s something for everyone on your “nice” list.

The Viotek GN34Cx is a multitasking workhorse display—an ultrawide 34-inch monitor combining top gaming specs with the reliability of a professional business monitor. View flicker-free video with superior color reproduction, finalize media-rich office projects, and dominate FPS/RTS games. With the GN34Cx, every detail comes to life in ultra-wide QHD (3440x1440p) clarity–two and a half times the resolution of other full HD monitors. The 100Hz monitor refresh rate offers critical precision and accuracy when it matters most–during graphically demanding applications and action-packed games. The GN34Cx’s natural 1800R curve matches the natural curve of the human eye and renders game environments more realistic. Through AMD FreeSync technology, each frame and every movement are clear and smooth, even during CPU-intense, action-packed games, which prevents ghosting or tearing. With amazing edge-to-edge ultrawide QHD clarity, the GN34Cx is a value-centric PC computer monitor.

Crazybaby Air Nano Wireless Earbuds (www.CrazyBaby.com - $20 off with promo code “CRAZY20OFF” through December 2018

The Air Nano Wireless Earbud by Crazybaby is a great gifting option and a perfect stocking stuffer. The classic bullet design of these wire-free earbuds offers a snug fit for all types of ears, making them perfect for running, jogging and other rigorous activities. The soft material that makes up the wingtip is water-washable, anti-static and removable (different size options come bundled). It uses the industry’s leading 998 custom-made Carbon Nanotube Diaphragms, enabling crystal-clear acoustics that facilitate an immersive music listening experience. The boast eight to 12 hours of playback time for all day use. Super fuel technology allows a quick five-minute charging window for a full 90 minutes of playback. Precision engineering has resulted in an ultra-compact charging case design that can fit in any of the smallest pockets without worry about cables tangling up. The Crazybaby air Nano Wireless Earbuds are available in 10 trendsetting and vibrant colors with plenty of choices to match your personal style.

Circle Home is a smart solution letting families of all sizes monitor and filter screen time across all devices, both inside and outside the home. It sets up seamlessly to your Wi-Fi network, and, through its intuitive app-based dashboard, parents can create unique profiles for each family member with specific parental control settings. These include Time Limits – allowing for complete control of screen time usage between a variety of apps, platforms and web-based programs (like Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and more); Bedtime – automatically disconnecting and reconnecting devices from Wi-Fi at scheduled times; Filter – setting individual age and interest filters for each family member; and Pause – having the ability to turn on and off network Wi-Fi at any time. Imagine a world with only 30 minutes of social media per day! Circle takes the fighting out of screen time and empowers parents to set and follow through on their expectations around the house. You can even opt for service off of your own Wi-Fi network as well, ensuring full control no matter where your child may be.

Give the gift of music and an enriched live by helping them learn how to play the piano at home. Playground Sessions, a company co-created by Quincy Jones, is passionate about using its innovative technology and musical expertise to help people improve themselves and enjoy life more. The bundle includes a Casio CTK-2090 keyboard, which is compact with 61 piano-style keys. It’s a great entry keyboard for the beginner player. In addition to the CTK-2090 keyboard, the Playground Sessions bundle includes a keyboard stand, Audio Technica ATHSJ11BK Portable Headphones (White), Hosa GPM103 3.5mm (F) To (M) Stereo Adapter, an On Stage KSP20 Universal Sustain Keyboard Pedal, a Power Supply and a USB cable to connect to Playground Sessions online instruction via your computer or iPad.

Sharkbanz Shark Attack Deterrent (Sharkbanz.com)

This next travel product is a real lifesaver, literally! It’s Sharkbanz, a convenient shark deterrent for the beachgoer, swimmer, and surfer. Created by surfers and divers and tested by marine biologists on predatory shark species, Sharkbanz uses patented magnetic technology to interfere with sharks' sensitive electroreceptors. Sharkbanz doesn’t harm sharks or other sea creatures, use no batteries, require no charging, and are designed to endure rigorous water sports. And, $1 of every Midnight-Bimini Sharkbanz design sold benefits the warrior surf foundation—a surf therapy organization for veterans.

Here’s a great gadget gift for singers who would enjoy a fun, all-in-one wireless karaoke mic with a built-in mixer/speaker, complete with its own light show! From audio leader VocoPro, the Pop-up-Oke microphone can connect to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and use YouTube or any number of different karaoke apps to access and enjoy hours of entertainment. Singers can also use the onboard MP3 SD/TF player to perform with recorded MP3 tracks. The multi-color LED lights can be turned on or off and, when on, will automatically “dance” to the beat of the music to add a visual excitement to any karaoke session. The system features a new generation of wireless karaoke microphone technology, including an all-in-one portable design. It’s just perfect for small karaoke gatherings and road trips! it also features innovative music link technology that can pair two Pop-up Oke devices to perform duets, a shock-mounted professional condenser microphone to reduce handling noise, and a user-replaceable lithium ion rechargeable battery (type 18650).

Here’s a practical gift item that any device devotee with appreciate: the ChargeHub Powerstation 360, billed as the most efficient charging station on the market today. It features quick and convenient charging for up to 10 devices simultaneously, including four USB’s, six AC Outlets, and provides up to 4000 joules of surge protection with a lifetime connected equipment warranty. The ChargeHub 360 is designed with a safety power-surge to protect all gadgets and devices while providing the optimal charge. It uses patented SmartSpeed Technology to provide an optimal charge for virtually any device, up to 2.4 Amps per port or five Amps overall. The six AC outlets (125V / 10A / 60Hz / 1250W) positioned in a circular pattern provides more space between each outlet to maximum functionality. The strip also includes: a 6-foot heavy-duty power cord with a 90-degree plug and protected/grounded LED indicator lights. The textured finish is also scratch-resistant and it’s wall mountable so it is easy with the provided screws, hanging template, and instructions – a perfect fit for any home, office, dorm room, workshop, and more!

Those looking for a truly wow-worthy jewelry gift should look no further than William Henry, an American luxury brand for men and women that crafts unique artisan collections that include jewelry, writing instruments, money clips and award-winning pocketknives enjoyed by A-listers like Harrison Ford, Laurence Fishburne, Luke Bryan, and Cameron Diaz, among many others. William Henry is revered for its painstaking use of precious metals, minerals, and unusual organic materials, and they’re celebrated for their meticulous hand-finished craftsmanship and details. The company often unveils new designs, which most recently includes its bold and distinctive new “Embrace” collection for men and women boasting an array of extraordinary jewelry pieces with signature caged design aesthetics. This includes the Embrace Wisdom pendant featuring a beautiful natural South Sea pearl ensconced in 18 karats rose gold on a finely stitched leather cord, also with William Henry’s “arrow” toggle clasp in sterling silver. The tones play off each other, resulting in an alluring nuance and warmth. For guys, the “Ardent” design, William Henry’s only all-sterling necklace, takes their smallest classic link that’s configured as a chain. Simple but distinctive, lightweight but substantial, it makes a great personal statement. For men or women, I also love the William Henry Bolt Maui Pen made from fabled curly Hawaiian Koa wood. It’s substantial, yet elegant enough to carry and use comfortably. Sleek and elegant, this pen boasts modern mechanics, clean lines and timeless craftsmanship designed to command any room and make a strong statement.

Sourced from the finest Italian leather, Offero Handbags are inspired by strong, confident and empowered women, designed to protect your belongings, while creating the life you want to lead. A woman-owned and managed company, Offero brings you American-made ultra-femininity with built-in patent pending anti-theft features. This includes Twaron slash-proof fabric, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) shielding interior pockets to prevent identity theft, and combination lock technology. The Offero line boasts three different styles, each with two separate colorways: "The Miami" (metallic silver/navy and copper/ivory), "The Manhattan," (black and caramel), and "The LA" (cobalt and blush), all featuring Offero's brilliant signature emerald green interior. The "Miami" design uses special water-resistant Italian leather exterior and nylon interior to help protect your precious belongings from the rain or a day at the beach, because let's face it sometimes life is unpredictable. The fabrics utilized in Offero products are reportedly five times stronger than steel—actually the same material used in body armor. Not even an X-ACTO knife or box cutter will be able to get through to your valuable belongings. And they’re certainly secure as Offero uses a patent pending combination lock technology on the shoulder strap of all of their products; so women can safely lock their bags in crowded areas. Detachable chain straps allow you to wrap the chain around a chair as you enjoy your meal at a crowded restaurant without having to worry that someone will slip your bag away from you. Also cause-minded, a portion of all proceeds going to disaster relief efforts.

SLATE COLLECTION is a new line of meticulously-crafted top-quality leather products that not only inspire, but also perform and endure. With great leather sourced from the American Midwest as the foundation, SLATE COLLECTION products feature thoughtfully-designed elements that make them practical, inspired and perfect for work, home and travel. The line includes a range of stylish products hand-crafted by artisans who use time-honored, exacting techniques, including totes, wristlets, journals, travel accessories and a tech collection—all in carefully chosen signature colors such as indigo, cognac and midnight. You just can’t go wrong with classic gift items like their elegant Elliot Bay Folio made from full-grain, water-resistant leather with two sides for holding a legal pad and single sheets of paper with corner pockets. It’s great for staying organized in the office or on-the-go. Personalization is even available on the paper. The Sand Point Passport Holder is another great gift option. Also made from full-grain, water-resistant leather, this sophisticated design with 4 pockets holds a passport and cards tightly and securely. It’s great for the non-stop jet-setter. Monogramming is available on this item and other select SLATE COLLECTION products.

Here’s a timepiece that combines the old and the new: the Valimor Caliburnus Hand-Tooled Automatic Watch. Inspired by the legendary Sword in the Stone, this unique timepiece features dragon scales on the solid bezel and swords for dials, making it reminiscent of ancient armor. Featuring jewel-grade natural stones, the patented design features a rich texture that’s one-of-a-kind in pattern, texture, color, and personality—no two timepieces are alike. Plus, it uses Swiss SuperLumiNova BGW9 pigments for the lume on the watch hands, ensuring full visibility in the dark. This distinctive watch, available in various colorways, is ideal for collectors, watch lovers, and fashion-minded men, alike.

One of my favorite finds of the season is the renowned women's fashion site, Anemela Official--a one-stop-shop for top brand clothing, swimwear, dresses and accessories. This online store offers tons of top-quality products for any occasion. Are you ready to go for coffee, drink, at the gym, for a walk, on a date, wedding or for clubbing? Do you have a business meeting or job interview to go to? Have you planned for a trip to the beach, mountains, or other vacation? Or do you want to cozy up at home? No matter where you want to go or what you want to do, Anemela.com will have you covered because they believe "every woman deserves to feel the fashion spirit at any moment." There are over 20,000 women's products that fit in any body shape and size, so Anemela.com is sure to have you covered in fabulous style. Plus there's free shipping on all orders!

Sevenly is an online cause activation marketplace that offers fashionable clothes for the whole family that also make a statement. This is thanks not only to their eye-catching designs, but also because each item contributes to heroic non-profit organizations. For example, their Autism Community Collection features a wide array of bold graphic tees, jewelry and sweatshirts that help the Autism Society provide advocacy, education and support to families effected by Autism. The Autism Community “Dare to Be Different” t-shirt in particular, provides funding toward resources and support to families in the Autism Community. Whether increasing awareness for Breast Cancer and Parkinson’s Disease, or promoting women's empowerment and anti-bullying, each cause-collection features a wide array of cause-conscious benefits.

TruCulture Clothing Co. makes apparel for strong women with a passion for life—and those like me who love fine leather garments with a street glam edge. Their unique, premium-quality designs boast supple, hand finished leathers. One of my personal favorites is their Distressed Ruby Multi Buckle Leather Jacket that’s hand processed for a vintage look. It’s loaded with metal zippers, buckles and seaming for the perfect fit. Bright red in color, it’s a real attention getter so be prepared to turn heads. I also absolutely adore the cognac-colored Street Glam Corset Multi-Ties Leather Jacket, which has a distressed wash and finish with various ties, snaps and an elbow-length invisible sleeve zipper that also ensures a great fit. From jackets like these to tops, bottoms and jewels, TruCulture Clothing is bold, classy, glamorous, sexy and empowering. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be worn from the work day on into date night. TruCulture was born in January of 2012 by sisters Claudia and Tommasina Tiberio, both avid motorcycle riders who’ve designed a chic clothing brand that helps women exude confidence with every step.

Basic Outfitters Create-a-Drawer for Men (www.BasicOutfitters.com) - Free shipping with code ‘LuxeList’ The married entrepreneurs behind Basic Outfitters came up with their flagship Create-a-Drawer service to solve a problem that so many men face. Seen on ABC’s Shark Tank, the product is perfect for the guy who refuses to clean out his sock and underwear drawer. Basic Outfitters' Create-a-Drawer gives the guy in your life a customizable collection of high quality and fashionable essentials for an unbeatable value. Available in small, medium and large drawer options, Create-a-Drawer helps guys replace their old, worn out attire with a whole new wardrobe of socks, underwear, tees, joggers, hoodies, shirts and more quickly, easily and for an affordable price. This gift will get your man more organized than ever.

Created by celebrity hairstylist David Babaii (the main man behind Kate Hudson's beachy waves), this sleek, modern iron can do far more than the norm. It has a curved to allow for endless styling options like waves, flips, curls and ringlets. Its innovative rose gold vibrating plates (which can be turned on or off) shuffle the hair back and forth to minimize tugging, slipping, or pulling. The iron has fast, even heating with instant recovery; a slim, ergonomic handle that closes firmly without strain; and provides a cool touch, no-slip grip for even pressure ensuring there are no uneven hot spots on the hair. The device also heats up to 400 degrees to maximize its effectiveness. As a cause-conscious company, 10 percent of the net proceeds go to support Pediatric Cancer Research and Animal Welfare causes.

Help those style-minded gals in your life take their look to the next level with GoodJanes Beauty’s natural, dramatic and glam styled lashes. With 18 varieties, each lash is handmade with cruelty-free, 100 percent mink fur collected from natural shedding. The lashes are stored in clear, protective trays and, with proper care, each lash can be reused up to 25 times. Another of the company’s products is Kiss My Lash, a novel triangulated mirror that lets you to see your upper lash line from above and below at the same time. The patented design provides the truest line of sight to get your falsies flush against the lash line on the first try! The mirror can be held in your hand, placed on a flat surface or attached to the magnetic, hands-free Kiss My Lash Stand.

The Sonic Facial Deep Cleansing Brush is a stylish combination of quality, performance, ergonomics and convenience all packed into one efficient design. This effective facial brush for all skin types offers a complete cleansing experience. It has an IPX 4 waterproof design and was created with Acoustic Vibration Technology, proven to improve skin care, and has two-speed settings. This technology helps increase light makeup removal and deep cleansing, and significantly improve skin care problems (like blemishes and clogged pores) also improving skin elasticity and collagen production. It comes as a 3-in-1 Kit that includes a massager and exfoliator that vibrates an average of 6,600 movements per minute, which helps increase blood flow while decreasing puffiness and improving circulation—all without rubbing or pulling of the skin. The device relaxes muscles and tones, and also detoxifies the skin through lymphatic drainage (fluid) and exfoliation that removes dead skin cells.

Helmm is a new antiperspirant and deodorant made with formulas that are paraben-free, phthalate-free and triclosan-free, which makes it good for your body. It’s also housed in a handsome high end-looking refillable container that’s not only good for the planet, but has a decorative look that makes it display-worthy. Helmm help upgrade your grooming game by offering a much-needed makeover on the old, plastic, single-use deodorant containers. With wonderful scents developed by a luxury French-perfumer, you won’t want to use your old stick ever again.

Wigs.com (www.Wigs.com) Who doesn’t want to look fabulous and exude confidence, especially over the holiday? OK, I concede this might be a better “get”, but Wigs.com options are certainly giftable as well as they carry hundreds of wigs for women of all backgrounds—striving to make all ladies feel beautiful in this instantly wearable hair. Whether you’re looking for realistic human hair pieces, or pre-styled, ready-to-wear synthetic pieces, Wigs.com has comfortable options for every style and need. One option is the “Carrie” style by Noriko—a medium length style with a balanced body. Evoking a romantic flair, Carrie is perfect for a chilly date night or even a cozy movie marathon. Be ready in an instant in this synthetic piece with its pre-styled waves that are sure to turn heads. There’s also the “Reese” style that’s a perfectly polished bob with sassy layers throughout. Get that classic look you’re going for with flippy ends and a sleek side fringe. Breathable, lightweight, and comfortable, Reese is perfect for the woman on-the-go and can be worn straight out of the box. Gorgeous in an instant!

*****WANDERERS*****

Little River Inn (www.LittleRiverInn.com)For those who prefer experiential gifts or want to arrange a lovely holiday getaway, consider a stay to the Little River Inn—a family-owned and operated resort on the Mendocino coast of California. This picturesque property features a chef-driven restaurant and bar, a nine-hole Audubon-certified golf course, professional tennis courts and a day spa. Ideal not just for romantic getaways, it’s great for the entire family (and pet-friendly as well). The Inn has 66 guest rooms ranging from the economical to the more luxurious. Several private meeting and special event spaces with stunning ocean and garden views make the Little River Inn an excellent venue for small-to-medium-sized weddings and corporate retreats as well. The Little River Inn Restaurant, helmed by CIA-trained Executive Chef Marc Dym, offers hearty California coastal cuisine, and Ole's Whale Watch Bar is a classic hangout for guests and locals alike.

Paskho clothing is a great new way to travel in comfort and style. The brand’s name comes from the ancient Greek word “passion,” and these sustainable pieces were created with that in mind. Paskho pieces for both men and women have impeccable details and luxury looking performance fabrics that are livable and pliable, but still fashionable. The garments are perfect for any excursion whether it's to your local corner store, a slope or sand dune around the globe. Paskho is built to suit the freedom-seeker and the maverick nomadic and the fearless observer, all together.

Give frequent air travelers a comfort upgrade with The Airhook. It’s a two-in-one solution for airplane travel comfort: a stable drink holder and a secure mount for an electronic device (cell phone or tablets 8.5 inches tall when horizontal). Designed to elevate the level of convenience by allowing for maximum legroom, The Airhook attaches to the tray table in its locked vertical position for use as an anchor, rather than needing to lay the tray horizontally across your lap as a platform. This way you can view your device and access your beverage unencumbered. Other features include: an adjustable angle accommodating for reclined seats and a better viewing posture, as well as a small hook for earbuds or to keep a light garment off the floor. It’s a great hands-free entertainment method for children. It’s also perfect for big and tall travelers and is collapsible for easy carry-on storage. It’s surely an easy way to make plane travel better, so you no longer need to sacrifice space with the folding down trays.

Here’s a great way to help someone stop misplacing their phone and wasting valuable time looking for it! MyPhonePouch is a sleek, innovative solution allowing you to carry your cell phone securely and accessible on your hip. This soft, stretchy pouch is worn tucked over any snug, sturdy waistband to instantly add pockets to an outfit. Designed by Allison Santini, it’s especially great for those women and girls who often lack pockets in their outfits. It’s great with leggings, yoga pants, sweats, shorts, skirts, slacks and other pocketless garments. Made of high-density performance fabric, MyPhonePouch is available in different colors and sizes to fit most phones.

A great idea for new moms and moms-to-be is the Gerber Brand Essentials Collection available at Walmart this holiday season with pricing that fits any budget. If you’re a new parent prepping to bring home your bundle of joy or looking for baby’s first-holiday gift, this collection offers a wide assortment of baby clothing and accessories that are as cute as they are comfortable. This includes bodysuits and sleep n’ plays, to caps and socks in super adorable prints and patterns like pink bunnies, polka dots, outer space and safari. All items in the Gerber Brand Essentials Collection are made with organically grown cotton that's breathable and soft for baby’s delicate skin, and easily transitions from playtime to bedtime.

The Just Born Keepsake and Sparkle collection, available at buybuyBABY, offers beautifully packaged items perfectly giftable for any new mom or baby. Featuring nursery bedding, bath, accessories and décor, both the Just Born Keepsake and Sparkle Collections were recently refreshed with new colors and styles. This includes the on-trend Sparkle Collection rose gold 2-pack hooded towel and 4-pack washcloth sets, which add extra shimmer to baby’s beautiful moments. Designed with a European-vintage feel, the Keepsake Collection features pieces like this grey linen quilt, faux animal heads and plush bath items that are designed with delicate lace and embroidery details—a wonderful high-end (yet affordable) holiday gift.

These fun Decorate Ornament kits by Kid Made Modern are a great way to get your little ones into the gift-giving spirit. Each kit makes a one-of-a-kind keepsake that they can give to their grandparents, teachers, friends or the mailman. You can even collect all six to decorate your own tree. The Paint by Number Kit “Barfing Beast” is a modern approach to mid-century paint by number kits. Each one features vibrant colors and the playful illustrations made by Patrick Hruby and includes everything needed to complete the project.

Here’s a great gift idea today that doesn’t involve a screen or electricity to enjoy for a change! It’s fictional science fiction and fantasy books from author Michael Drakich. With titles like The Infinite Within, The Brotherhood of Piaxia, Grave Is the Day, Assassins of Riaz, I Am, Lest the Dew Rust Them, and Demon Stones, these thrillers offer hours of captivating adventure! As a highly rated author, top reviewers rave about the level of detail in Drakich’s storytelling, and imagination that seems to know no bounds. He’s lauded for taking readers straight into the minds of his characters, developing them into a riveting and extremely entertaining tales. You can check out Michael Drakich’s fictional science fiction and fantasy books for yourself at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, apple and more.

A winner of five national awards (including the Mother’s Choice Award), “The Legacy Letters” by Carew Papritz helps people reconnect with family and friends again. The story reveals to the readers the rediscovered private letters from a dying father to his children–and to his wife. His words of wisdom, interwoven between deeply personal stories and poignantly-told memories, ultimately become the practical, moral and spiritual guidebook for his children that he’d unfortunately never live to see; and for his wife, his redemptive act of love. It’s easy to get caught up in our fast-paced, technology-driven society. This back-to-the-basics novel reminds people how to slow life down again, to be in the moment and remember what’s really important. Combining the best elements of various inspirational best-sellers such as “Tuesdays with Morrie,” “The Last Lecture” and “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” “The Legacy Letters” reads like a true-to-life story and is filled with timeless wisdom for the modern age.

The averages person wastes 2.5 days a year looking for stuff and I, for one, am guilty as charged. That’s a mini vacation! People waste precious time searching and digging in their bags, so Bag Branch is a giftable solution unlike any other. It’s an accessory that holds your daily essentials—the items you reach for many times a day—like glasses, phone, keys, cards, pens, gum, etc., keeping these daily essentials together and accessible at your fingertips. It ensures these items are easy to take out and put back where they belong. Plus, you can easily change bags in one easy move, also knowing that you won’t leave your most important things behind. It fits in almost all sizes and shaped bags, structured or not. This patent-pending design features wide and structured pockets that don’t collapse when empty.

Barley+ bars are a healthy stocking stuffer option versus all of that candy that normally bloats those holiday stocking—and the recipients that partake. These delicious and nutritious bars are made with a unique type of Barley called BARLEY MAX that has more soluble fiber, insoluble fiber and resistant starch than other grains. The results taste and feel amazing because Barley Plus contains Pre-biotic dietary fiber to help feed the intestinal flora, so it’s great for gut health.

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***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Merilee Kern

Branding, consumer product trends, leisure and lifestyle expert Merilee A. Kern is a good life connoisseur who keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. The best of the best across all product, service and travel categories–as well as noteworthy marketplace change ...(Read More)